May 3 - The Cottonwood Canyons with my Sister

I've got company this week. My sister from Indiana flew in last night for the week. Since the weather looks the nicest today, I'm taking up her into the mountains on Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon. (And we may have to be quick as there's a good chance of afternoon thunderstorms especially in the mountains.)

Heading up Big Cottonwood Canyon first to Silver Lake - yes again. Got there around 10:45am -- bright and sunny but there are storm clouds building. This might be my 3rd time here in a week but each time has been totally different. Today, after several days near 70 up here, majority of the snow around the lake, melted; most of the ice on the lake, melted - lots of open water. Looks so different!!! But still very pretty.

We just walk around the lake finding a beaver chewed log, Columbine/Geraniums plants emerging, and a ground squirrel. The birds are sure singing today. We see a Mountain Chickadee, a Brown Creeper

and Song Sparrow (high in the trees).

Of course, the Mallards are around. A lot less quacking than the other day.

Off for lunch and then up Little Cottonwood Canyon racing the storm clouds building in the valley. First stop was the upper Little Cottonwood Creek TH. Just want to take my sister down to the creek, so it was a very short walk. All those warm temperatures is causing a lot of snow melt and the creek to rise. It's the loudest I've heard it this year.

We see many butterflies: Western Tailed Blue (1st of the season),

Spring Azure, Juba Skipper,

Field Crescent and Painted Lady. (And my sister is helping me track them!)

Back to the car and up to Snowbird Ski Resort (they are still open). We are hoping to ride the Aerial Tram up to the top of the mountain. Unfortunately, we get there just after 2pm and the Tram closes at 2pm - oh well :(

 Then up to the end of the road at Alta. Much more snow here (only because the slopes are out of the sun).

Now its down the canyon to beat the rain (only sprinkles on us).

Nice to share day wonderful with a sister. :)